Waytron has a long-term and stable relationship with many carriers. With our strong strength, professional team, scientific system and sound network, Waytron can provide our customers with one-stop global logistics services, which are now can be involved in many countries such as USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and southeast Asia, and so on. Waytron can handle FCL, LCL, and special shipments, also providing reliable SOC service and competitive rates for TP trades, especially to USA and Canada inland locations, such as Dallas, El Paso, Portland, Houston, Calgary and Winnipeg.
Waytron Overseas Department is in charge of working with the overseas agents, including D/O, Customs Clearance, Door Delivery and Transshipment to ensure the high-quality services.
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In international trade, ocean freight shipping is one of the most important modes of cargo transportation due to its large capacity and low cost. From cargo preparation to final delivery, ocean freight involves multiple steps, each requiring careful operation and cooperation among various parties. The following is a detailed introduction to the process of ocean freight shipping, accompanied by a comparison table for better understanding.
The shipper needs to clarify the type, weight, volume, and packaging of the goods, as well as the port of loading, port of destination, and expected shipping time. For example, electronic products require moisture-proof packaging, while large items like furniture need to be compatible with container dimensions.
Choose a suitable partner by comparing quotes, service quality, and reputation. Freight forwarders can provide one-stop services, while direct cooperation with shipping lines may offer more favorable rates.
The shipper submits a booking note to the freight forwarder or shipping line, including cargo information and transportation requirements. The shipping line arranges containers based on space availability and issues a booking confirmation.
Full Container Load (FCL): The shipper is responsible for loading the container at the factory or warehouse, and then a truck transports the container to the port yard.
Less than Container Load (LCL): The goods are transported to the warehouse designated by the freight forwarder, who then sorts and consolidates the cargo.
Prepare documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, and contracts for customs declaration. If the goods are subject to legal inspection, inspection procedures must also be carried out to obtain relevant certificates.
The container is transported to the port yard by truck. It is crucial to ensure that the goods arrive at the port before the cut-off time to avoid missing the ship.
The shipping line loads the containers onto the ship according to the stowage plan and issues an ocean bill of lading. The bill of lading serves as proof of ownership of the goods and should be carefully kept by the shipper.
The ship sails along the designated route. During this period, the shipping line or freight forwarder monitors the ship's status in real-time using satellite positioning and other technologies. The shipper can track the cargo's transportation status online using the bill of lading number.
Upon arrival at the port of destination, the ship docks at the designated berth and prepares for unloading.
The consignee or their agent conducts import customs declaration and inspection procedures at the port of destination, submits documents such as bills of lading and commercial invoices, and pays duties and taxes.
After customs clearance, the containers are unloaded from the ship. The consignee can pick up the goods at the port yard or warehouse using the delivery order.
Used containers must be returned to the location designated by the shipping line on time. Any damages to the containers may incur repair costs.
| Stage | Process Step | Operator | Key Documents/Notes |
|---|
| Preparatory | Determine Transportation Requirements | Shipper | Clarify cargo details and requirements; estimate transportation costs. |
| Select Freight Forwarder/Shipping Line | Shipper | Compare rates, service quality, and reputation; sign service contracts. |
| Book Space | Shipper/Freight Forwarder | Submit booking note; obtain booking confirmation. |
| Cargo Shipment | Cargo Loading | Shipper/Freight Forwarder | For FCL, complete loading within the specified time; for LCL, deliver goods to the designated warehouse on time. |
| Customs Declaration and Inspection | Shipper/Customs Broker | Prepare full set of customs declaration documents; ensure goods meet inspection requirements. |
| Cargo Delivery to Port | Shipper/Freight Forwarder | Arrange truck transportation; pay attention to the cut-off time. |
| Loading onto the Vessel | Shipping Line | Load containers as planned; obtain the ocean bill of lading. |
| Ocean Transport | Vessel Sailing | Shipping Line | Monitor the vessel's status in real-time; track cargo using the bill of lading number. |
| Port of Dest. | Vessel Arrival | Shipping Line | Dock at the designated berth; prepare for unloading. |
| Import Customs Declaration and Inspection | Consignee/Customs Broker | Submit import documents; pay duties and taxes. |
| Unloading and Cargo Release | Consignee | Pick up goods after customs clearance; check the quantity and condition of the cargo. |
| Container Return | Consignee | Return containers on time; inspect for damages. |
